2. Rio Ferdinand
After questions were raised about Ferdinands longevity at the start of the season, the Manchester United man showed excellent form following team-mate
Nemanja Vidics season-ending injury. There will be much debate surrounding Hodgsons decision to leave out Ferdinand. It was widely accepted that
John Terry and Ferdinand could not be included in the same squad. It is rumoured that the pair have not spoken since Terry was accused of racially abusing Ferdinands brother Anton way back in October. Doubts were also raised about his fitness, largely based on long-standing back problems and
Sir Alex Fergusons admission that the defender would struggle to play a game every four days. However, during his press conference after announcing the squad Hodgson himself said that the decision was made purely based on football reasons.